Happy 80th, Beano!

Well, what can I say? It's been a while since I posted on here. February last year, in fact! However, with the beloved Beano comic turning 80 years old today, it's the right time to publish a new blog post.

On Saturday the 30th of July 1938, the Beano comic was published. That's, as you have probably guessed from the title, 80 years ago today. Whilst I can't say I have been reading the Beano from the very beginning, since I wasn't even around in 1938, I can say I have been reading the comic for 8 years. That is because it's true, I have been a Beano reader since 2010 and I am proud of it!

This blog post will cover some of my favourite things about the Beano. Here goes.


1 - The characters

No comic is a comic without characters. Every publisher knows that, and it is clear that the creators of the Beano comic know that and are committed to making sure the characters make the readers laugh out loud. Every issue is crammed with extremely hilarious comic strips, with the characters that every Beano fan loves. My favourite? I don't have one. I have a few. All of them! But seriously, if I had to choose one, I would choose the iconic Dennis the Menace, followed by Tricky Dicky, Minnie the Minx... it's hard to choose just one as every single character makes me laugh every Saturday when my subscription copies arrive. That's exactly what a comic should do, as well. Make you laugh!

2 - The extras

Anyone that says the Beano is nothing more than a children's comic, I am sorry but I am about to rain on your parade. You see, the Beano comic every Wednesday (or Saturday for subscribers like myself) is the best part of being a Beano fan without a doubt, but there's more to it than that. In 2009, Dennis and Gnasher has aired on TV. In 2013, Dennis the Menace and Gnasher aired on TV. In 2017, Dennis and Gnasher Unleashed! aired. In 1996, there was a Dennis and Gnasher season that aired. I wasn't around back then but I have seen it (I have the DVD box set!) and it is brilliant. Many episodes of Dennis (the Menace) and Gnasher have been published on the official Beano YouTube channel, as well, which in my book is a very kind thing to do.

It isn't just TV shows though. There's books - that's annuals, adventures, jokes, puzzle books, sticker books, you name it and it'll probably exist. I am a fan of the new book, "Beano Book of Mischief, Mayhem & Fun".

On top of this, you've got toys, board games... nothing ends here. There's endless new things coming from Beano and one of my favourites I have to admit is the clothing range. I just love my Dennis style red and black striped t-shirts and jumper!

The website is also there, updated daily, with funny new content to interact with, videos to watch, games to play and listicles to read. The website is completely and utterly free, as well as the app which is offered, because Beano aren't the type of people to charge for their online content. Respect, Beano!

3 - The interaction

Screenshot is of a reply from the Beano Twitter account to one of my Tweets (a while ago).

Image is of a letter that Michael Stirling, from the Beano, gave me at The Beano Experience on Sunday, the 25th of September 2016

The social bunch at Beano is by far one of the best. Tweet them, and they'll interact. Go to one of their events and you'll be given a warm welcome. As you can see above, I was given a golden "So Beano" badge for typing up why I am so passionate about the Beano. I will treasure it forever, of course!

But the interaction isn't online only. When I attended The Beano Experience on Sunday, the 25th of September 2016, I was given the letter shown above by Michael Stirling. That is in my drawer, which I've named "Beano things that I'll treasure forever and never forget. Everything in here is priceless, because you can't put a price on Beano treasures... they're to keep and be proud of owning forever!". That's a bit of a long, but yet accurate name for a drawer. And only the most passionate of Beano fans would even think to name a drawer.

So, yes, the Beano team are nice people. Michael Stirling told me I am the biggest fan, with a letter as well, and I have met Nigel Parkinson at Comic Con, Kev F Sutherland and Nigel Auchterlounie (The Beano Experience). You can read about my experience at The Beano Experience here.

4 - The hype, the silliness, the fun and the inspiration

Image is of four drawings, created by myself, based on Beano characters

Image is of a quote I have proudly displayed on my wall and currently set as my phone lock screen. Comics are the answer, they always will be for me, regardless of the question!

Hype is one thing the Beano comic knows how to deliver. Back in 2016, the lead up to The Beano Experience took weeks of comics, which got very exciting, and there was even an issue taken over by Walter... surely a collector's issue, or will definitely be in the long run.

As you can see above, I have been inspired to draw Beano characters, and whilst I know they aren't perfect, that doesn't matter. At the end of the day, nothing is, there is always room for improvement, and I draw as a hobby. 

I live with the quote that comics are the answer, regardless of the question as you can see above. This was actually shown to me by another fellow Beano fan, so I shall not take credit for this quote, but it is one of my favourite ever quotes. 

Beano is known for the silliness and the fun. It just wouldn't be Beano without it, am I right?

It doesn't matter about my, or anyone's age, being a Beano fan is always allowed. Back in 2013, the oldest Beano fan, Jim, aged 91 and a half at the time, made it in the news. Google it! This just proves the Beano respects fans of all ages.

So, you're 80, Beano, and that's an achievement.

I'm super proud to be a fully fledged Beano fan, during their 80th anniversary as well. I will always have Beano in my life, and I am confident the Beano will carry on for a very long time... if not, forever.

Happy 80th Anniversary, Beano! A great achievement!

I'm just going to leave this here for now... until next time, thanks for reading!

Disclaimer:

I have not been paid or sponsored to publish this blog post. Everything I have mentioned is directly from me (my own words and thoughts) unless otherwise stated in the necessary paragraphs. Some images feature Beano, DC Thomson copyrighted snippets. These are not owned by myself and removal of these can be requested at any time by the original owners for any reason they see fit.